Ignorance

Want of knowledge, 'mid all wants the sorest want we deem;
Want of other things the world will not as want esteem

Explanation
The want of wisdom is the greatest of all wants; but that of wealth the world will not regard as such.

Tamil Transliteration
Arivinmai Inmaiyul Inmai Piridhinmai
Inmaiyaa Vaiyaa Thulaku.

The gift of foolish man, with willing heart bestowed, is nought,
But blessing by receiver's penance bought

Explanation
(The cause of) a fool cheerfully giving (something) is nothing else but the receiver's merit (in a former birth).

Tamil Transliteration
Arivilaan Nenjuvandhu Eedhal Piridhiyaadhum
Illai Peruvaan Thavam.

With keener anguish foolish men their own hearts wring,
Than aught that even malice of their foes can bring

Explanation
The suffering that fools inflict upon themselves is hardly possible even to foes.

Tamil Transliteration
Arivilaar Thaandhammaip Peezhikkum Peezhai
Seruvaarkkum Seydhal Aridhu.

What is stupidity? The arrogance that cries,
'Behold, we claim the glory of the wise.'

Explanation
What is called want of wisdom is the vanity which says, "We are wise".

Tamil Transliteration
Venmai Enappatuva Thiyaadhenin Onmai
Utaiyamyaam Ennum Serukku.

If men what they have never learned assume to know,
Upon their real learning's power a doubt 'twill throw

Explanation
Fools pretending to know what has not been read (by them) will rouse suspicion even as to what they have thoroughly mastered.

Tamil Transliteration
Kallaadha Merkon Tozhukal Kasatara
Valladhooum Aiyam Tharum.

Fools are they who their nakedness conceal,
And yet their faults unveiled reveal

Explanation
Even to cover one's nakedness would be folly, if (one's) faults were not covered (by forsaking them).

Tamil Transliteration
Atram Maraiththalo Pullarivu Thamvayin
Kutram Maraiyaa Vazhi.

From out his soul who lets the mystic teachings die,
Entails upon himself abiding misery

Explanation
The fool who neglects precious counsel does, of his own accord, a great injury to himself.

Tamil Transliteration
Arumarai Sorum Arivilaan Seyyum
Perumirai Thaane Thanakku.

Advised, he heeds not; of himself knows nothing wise;
This man's whole life is all one plague until he dies

Explanation
The fool will not perform (his duties) even when advised nor ascertain them himself; such a soul is a.

Tamil Transliteration
Evavum Seykalaan Thaandheraan Avvuyir
Poom Alavumor Noi.

That man is blind to eyes that will not see who knowledge shows;-
The blind man still in his blind fashion knows

Explanation
One who would teach a fool will (simply) betray his folly; and the fool would (still) think himself "wise in his own conceit".

Tamil Transliteration
Kaanaadhaan Kaattuvaan Thaankaanaan Kaanaadhaan
Kantaanaam Thaankanta Vaaru.

Who what the world affirms as false proclaim,
O'er all the earth receive a demon's name

Explanation
He who denies the existence of what the world believes in will be regarded as a demon on earth.

Tamil Transliteration
Ulakaththaar Untenpadhu Illenpaan Vaiyaththu
Alakaiyaa Vaikkap Patum.